Ali Reza Abbasi (1565-1634) is one of the most prominent calligraphers of Safavid period. He was born in Kashan. As soon as he was a remarkable calligrapher he left Kashan to Isfahan. He was introduced to Shah Abbas the first’s court. Soon he was honored by title of “Abbasi”. He was employed by Shah’s court, but he left the court soon.

Artist: Alireza Abbasi

In 1610 he came back to the court and worked there until his death. He died in 1634. He was a wonderful miniaturist too. A part of reception hall of the Ali Qapu palace was decorated with his beautiful unique miniatures on stucco work. A lot of his work can be seen in Iranian museums and important museums of the west such as Louver and Metropolitan museums.

MIREMAD

Mir Emad (1556-1615) was one of the most celebrated Iranian calligraphers. Nostalgic calligraphy reached its Zenith by wonderful works of Mir Emad. He was born in Qazvinand he was educated there too.

Mir Emad traveled to Tabrizin order to develop his knowledge and art. He studied with Mohammad Hossein Tabrizi. He was invited to the court of Shah Abbas 1. He tried to train his son and daughter as calligraphers, but his decedents did not reach as high as Mir Emad. A part of Sheick Lotfollah Mosque’s inscriptions was implemented by Mir Emad.

Artist: Mir Emad

There was a sever competition between Mir Emad and Ali Reza Abbasi. Ali Reza Abbasi, although he was a great artist and calligrapher but his hostility against Mir Emad consequenced to the execution of Mir Emad. In order to defame Mir Emad, he was accused of being Sunnite. Several people were executed by the order of Shah Abbas the first. His innocent son and Mir Emad were two of these unfortunate persons.